Southern Ridges
Mount Faber Park
Mount Faber Park is easily accessed from Harbourfront MRT Station, followed by a walk or by bus that goes all the way to the top. During the walk, loud chirping of cicadas and calls of various birds accompany the visitors. The lush greenery is very welcome and soothing to the eyes. The walk involves a good deal of gain in elevation to reach the top, but the walkway is well laid out and does not involve significant physical preparation (beyond a flask of water). Spectacular views of southern Singapore await at the top. At night, the twinkling lights of the distant city are rather nice to enjoy at F&B establishments. It is also possible to take a cable car to the island of Sentosa and there is a mini Merlion Sculpture at the top and murals depicting Singapore life.
Telok Blangah Hill Park
The Alkaff Mansion can be seen after walking over from the Henderson Waves, a conserved mansion, which has been given a new lease of life as a restaurant. It was built primarily as a retreat for the Alkaff family. A panoramic view of Singapore can be seen from the semicircular terraces of the Terrace Garden, the vantage point on top of Telok Blangah Hill Park.
Alexandra Arch & Henderson Waves
It is highly recommended to take a stroll on the elevated canopy walk starting at the Alexandra Arch. Rich biodiversity presents photo opportunities, such as birds (Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Common Iora, Brown-throated Sunbird, Spotted Dove and Straw-headed Bulbul) and trees native to the region. In my experience though, there is no guarantee that there will be any particular sighting, since this spot is very popular with joggers, hikers and somewhat noisy weekend visitors. Alexandra Arch looks something like a leaf structure with its veins exposed and comes alive after sundown with attractive colour-changing LEDs. Henderson Waves (a distinctive wave-like structure 274m long) makes it appearance right before the approach to Telok Blangah Hill Park. This charming, wood-panelled bridge was built in 2008 (same time as the Alexndra Arch) and is hugely popular with wedding photographers. Birds such as the Brahminy Kite and other raptors have been reported to be seen here.
Labrador Park & Battery
The Labrador Battery and Nature Reserve, along with the Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Kent Ridge Park is part of the Southern Ridges. About a twenty minute walk from the Labrador MRT station, this place is set in the middle of a fine nature spot, rich in history as well. It is possible to walk to the Nature Reserve and return to the MRT by walking through the Berlayer Creek boardwalk, home to mangrove forests and coastal cliffs and therefore a haven for its typical flora and fauna. This is a good opportunity to view some interesting flora and fauna. This mangrove is also home to the nipa (attap) palm which was widely used for thatching roofs. It is recommended to set aside a couple of hours minimum to fully explore this place. Thriving with wildlife, this park is a favourite haunt of nature lovers and photographers. The mangrove is good for spotting mudskippers and small crabs.
In addition, there is rich wartime history. A highlight is a stone feature known as the Dragon’s tooth. At this point, mainland Singapore apparently has the shortest distance to the Sentosa Island. It was used as a navigational tool. However, Admiral Henry Keppel (who was also concerned about piracy reports in the region at that point of time) ordered it to be blown up in 1848, while expanding this body of water to be capable of handling larger ships of the day. Today a replica of the original, natural outcrop stands in place. A few steps away from here, stands a red beacon which is no longer in use and is fenced in by red wire. Some of the fiercest battles for Singapore took place at Pasir Panjang, not too far from the Labrador Battery, before the final capitulation. Look out for a pillbox close to lighthouse. A fort used to defend the southern shore of Singapore. The fort entrance at one point consisted of a vertical iron gate. Further in are artillery guns that mostly pointed to defend Singapore from sea based threats. Tunnels and bunkers beneath the battery were used to safely house ammunition and to provide cover for the non-military personnel. During the Second World War, the guns of Labrador Battery did not play a huge role, since the Japanese forces took the causeway from Malaysian Peninsula (on bicycles) to enter Singapore from the north. The guns could be rotated to face inwards too, but most of the ammunition here consisted of armour piercing shells (meant for warships) which were not particularly effective for targeting ground forces. Another shortcoming was the perception that the forested area (in the north) was virtually impassable. That proved to be a costly mistake since the advancing Japanese forces simply used bicycles. Retreating British forces destroyed the guns to prevent them falling into enemy hands.
Labrador beach front used to be dotted by these pillboxes (as seen in the picture) and were armed with machine guns. It was conceivable that the enemy might land commando units to take the artillery guns out of action. Lights and barbed wire alone would not do; therefore the pillboxes sprung up along coast. Although they provided shelter and protection to the sharpshooters inside, they were rather hot and cramped.
The Labrador Park is located close to the Alexandra Retail Centre and can be accessed by public buses also. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the business district, visitors to the park also have the option of jogging, fishing and indulging in barbequed meals. There are some playgrounds for children too. The waterline offers a view of the Sentosa Island on one side, and the Pasir Panjang port on the other. This is an excellent spot to enjoy a gorgeous sunset, something that I have had the good fortune of doing several times.
The Labrador Park is located close to the Alexandra Retail Centre and can be accessed by public buses also. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the business district, visitors to the park also have the option of jogging, fishing and indulging in barbequed meals. There are some playgrounds for children too. The waterline offers a view of the Sentosa Island on one side, and the Pasir Panjang port on the other. This is an excellent spot to enjoy a gorgeous sunset, something that I have had the good fortune of doing several times.
Kent Ridge Park
Hort Park, at one end of the Alexandra Arch, is a park that encourages gardening. It boasts of a nursery and a greenhouse. Gardening items are for sale and there are ornamental gardens to stroll through. A 280m canopy walk leads to the Kent Ridge Park, with the possibility to stop by the museum “Reflections at Bukit Chandu”, the site of a fierce battle between the local Malay Regiment and the advancing Japanese forces during WWII.